The Silk Thread of Gorindo Magazine

Magazine • the Silk Thread of Gorindo

'Roxanne Standefer's Gorindo Kata Geometrica’<br />©2012 Photo by Claudio Iedwab

The Silk Thread of Gorindo - Ottawa - Canada

Issue 18

- Gorindo Kata Geometrica

- Advice about... Learning Techniques

- Twin Forearm Block - Kakiwake-uke

- Pearls of Gorindo...

Gorindo Kata Geometrica

This series of exercises should be practiced as a group. It can be thought of as a stationary kata, involving as it does a progression of movements that strengthens, stretches, and loosens almost every area of the body. From these three shapes, which operate on three planes of movement, other shapes and vectors can be drawn. Emphasis is on smooth movement, balance, and focused breathing using the abdomen. Move as if the imaginary ball you hold is a bowl filled with precious elixir and you do not want to spill a drop. Position of stances, pelvis, and head are very important. Hand movements are precise and very controlled but with shoulders, elbows, and fingers remaining relaxed.

It is important as a mental exercise to visualize the geometric shape the hands are creating as they move through the form. As well, the body with its stance and shifting of weight should feel as if it is describing the triangle, circle, or square.

By leading with the eyes and co-ordinating the breathing with the movement, a smooth flow can be established. Feel as if you are breathing through your hands.

Pay close attention to the perimeters of hand and knee movements to not place undue stress or extension on the joints.

Observe the diagram and practice in front of mirror or glass reflection initially to check position. Practice synchronizing the movements with the breathing, seeking to elongate the exhalation.

Gorindo Triangle

Stance: Approximately triangular, heels slightly inside with feet flat on floor. Weight remains equally distributed, without shifting, throughout exercise.

Action: Begin by forming imaginary ball (volleyball size) in your mind and place it within your hands in front of chest. Lift ball above your head with a gentle intake of breath. Exhale in a controlled fashion through nose as you bend your knees and lower ball to the right side. Completely empty lungs by contracting abdomen muscles as you move the ball across the body from right to left. Let the lungs inflate as you raise hands and body to standing position. Relax abdomen and throat as air enters the nose and partially open mouth. Rest at top of motion. Repeat four times and then perform four triangles in the opposite direction.

Gorindo Circle

Stance: Open back stance with outside edges of feet at a right angle. Make sure the forward foot is open to the outside for stable balance. Begin with weight in center.

Action: Begin with the imaginary ball in your hands in front of solar plexus, elbows relaxed and down.

Inhale gently as you shift weight to back leg and begin describing circle with hands to the outside and back. Begin to exhale as you push hands forward and away from you to expand the circle outward. Shift the weight slowly to the forward leg along with the movement of the hands. Complete the circle by bringing hands and hips back to center. Rest for a moment. Repeat four times and then perform four circles in the opposite direction, placing other foot forward in the stance.

Gorindo Square Up

Gorindo Square-Up

Stance: Square horse-riding stance. Stand with outside edges of feet parallel and two shoulder widths apart.

Action: Begin with fingers touching, palms up, below hara. Inhale gently as the hands move outward.

Rotate fingers forward and raise palms toward the sky while bending knees. Keep buttocks tucked in and exhale as the body lowers. Exhale fully, emptying lungs completely as you rise to a standing position while pressing hands together in front of face. Inhale as the hands drop to hara position.

Repeat four times.

Gorindo Square Down

Gorindo Square-Down

Stance: Square horse-riding stance. Stand with outside edges of feet parallel and two shoulder widths apart.

Action: Begin with hands in front of the face, pulling apart as you inhale gently. Press downward with hands, exhaling as you lower body and emptying lungs completely as the hands are pushed together again in front of hara. Inhale as you raise hands and body to start position.